- Site: Barrow
- IR number: 19-059
- Date: August 2019
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
BAe Systems Marine Ltd. intends to undertake a site redevelopment programme in readiness for the Dreadnought class submarine build. This work includes an upgrade to the existing ship lift / ship transfer system, and the continued use of the Devonshire Dock Hall electric overhead travelling cranes.
To gain regulatory confidence that BAe Systems Marine Ltd. examination, inspection, maintenance and test arrangements for items important to nuclear safety, are adequate, in accordance with the requirements of the plant maintenance schedule, ONR inspectors undertook a Licence Condition 28 (Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing) inspection. The inspection was undertaken by the ONR nominated site inspector and a specialist mechanical engineering inspector.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The inspection scope sampled the licensee’s arrangements for EIMT tasks, its implementations of those and whether it met regulatory expectations as outlined in relevant ONR Technical Inspection Guides.
The inspection objectives comprised:
- Gain assurance that key examination, inspection, maintenance and testing activities are being effectively managed against a changing boat delivery programme.
- Gain assurance that the maintenance management software upgrade has been completed and is working effectively.
- Sample key systems to determine if examination, inspection, maintenance and testing is being adequately implemented and managed.
The following key systems were subject to inspection:
- Ship lift.
- Boat transfer system.
- Devonshire Dock Hall Electric Overhead Travelling cranes.
- Maintenance management software upgrade.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
Against my inspection objectives, I judged that key examination, inspection, maintenance and test activities are being adequately implemented and managed effectively. In particular:
- I judged that BAe Systems Marine Ltd. are adequately managing examination, inspection, maintenance and testing.
- I found that the maintenance management software had been implemented adequately and was being used to effectively manage such activities.
- I inspected a sample of nuclear significant structures, systems and components from the Ship Lift, Boat Transfer System and Devonshire Dock Hall electric overhead travelling crane and found satisfactory evidence that LC28 activities were being adequately implemented and managed.
I found adequate evidence to support the closure of the ONR regulatory issue related to the adequacy of LC28 arrangements and their implementation at the site.
I performed a facilities walk down and observed items which had been subjected, or were planned to be subjected to maintenance, and had the opportunity to question BAESML employees on their understanding of the written arrangements, and their understanding of how these maintenance activities related to the safety case.
In my opinion, BAe System Marine Ltd. examination, inspection, maintenance test arrangements showed evidence of the incorporation of learning and continuous improvement.
Regarding LC28 (6c) I have raised a level 4 regulatory issue in relation to improvement of arrangements for demonstrating that all examination, inspection, maintenance and test activities had been completed within the intervals specified in the relevant plant maintenance schedule.
Conclusion of Intervention
After examining the evidence sampled during my inspection of BAe Systems Marine Ltd.’s arrangements, I judge that there are adequate arrangements in place for examination, inspection, maintenance and testing, and that they are being implemented appropriately in line with regulatory expectations; as defined in ONR guidance.
My intervention has not identified any significant issues from a nuclear safety perspective.
It is my judgement, therefore, that a rating of Green (adequate) is appropriate for this inspection.